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Storm Rolls Through Region

A severe thunderstorm cell developed in Dickinson County and moved east through southern Geary and northern Morris into Wabaunsee County Saturday evening.

In Geary County the Emergency Management Director, Garry Berges reported there were small tree branches knocked down by the storm and some gravel washed out onto a road leading to the Geary State Lake. The storm moved quickly east at about 30 mph.

Three different severe thunderstorm warnings were issued before the storm moved out of the Geary – Morris County area.

A severe thunderstorm watch was put into effect for numerous counties until two a.m. In the east central Kansas region they included Geary, Dickinson, Riley, Pottawatomie, Morris, Saline, Marion and Wabaunsee counties.

Cool off at the pool this weekend

With the very warm temperatures forecast for the weekend and heat indexes expected to be well over 100 degrees – it’s the perfect opportunity to cool off at the City pool.

Assistant Manager Erica Howard said that this Summer season has been off to a good start with attendance numbers higher than the first few weeks of the season in 2016.

Howard said that even though there will be a lot of people cooling off at the pool this weekend, she will be keep an eye on the lifeguards and staff as well.

“We have them take a break after every hour when it’s so hot, and we make sure they drink a lot of water.”

There is also a concession stand for pool attendees.

The City pool is open daily from 1:00 pm to 7:00 pm.

Kansas workers don’t vacation; AAA reports KS 9th for most unused vacation time

Fifty-four (54) percent of Americans did not use all of their available vacation time last year.

According to a report from AAA, Kansas ranks below the national average with 64 percent of workers leaving vacation days on the table.

Kansas ranks ninth in the country for most unused vacation days; workers in the state failed to use 5.8 million available vacation days. If Kansas residents used all of their vacation time, it would generate $529 million in direct spending.

States with the most unused vacation time include:  1 – Idaho, 2 – New Hampshire, 3 – Alaska, 4 – South Dakota, 5 – Oklahoma, 6 – Montana, 7 – Wyoming, 8 – Nebraska, 9 – Kansas, 10 – Vermont.

States where vacations rule (least unused time) include: 1 – Maine, 2 – Hawaii, 3 – Arizona, 4 – Alabama, 5 – Wisconsin, 6 – Arkansas, 7 -Pennsylvania, 8- Michigan, 9 – Tennessee, 10 – Louisiana.

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania comes in as the top U.S. city for workers that use the most vacation time. This makes them less susceptible to anxiety, and are less likely to worry about work while away on vacation. Workers in the Steel City are also far less likely to develop work related stress.

Rounding out the top ten for least unused vacation days are: 2 – Chicago, 3 – Phoenix, 4 -Orlando, 5 – Miami, 6 -Kansas City, MO, 7- Charlotte, NC, 8 – Miami, 9 – San Diego, 10 – Detroit.

Washington, D.C. tops the list for most unused vacation time. The Nation’s Capital is home to more government employees than average cities, and studies show that government employees are less likely to take vacations.

Meet Vanessa Gray, the new Director of local Animal Shelter

From a Kennel Tech to Director of the Junction City – Geary County Animal Shelter, 23 year old Vanessa Gray is driven to impact change in the community.

From 2013 to 2015 Gray worked as a Kennel Tech at the Animal Shelter before ultimately leaving to accept a position at the Sheriff’s Department.

“When I left the shelter, I was still working on a 0 to 5 year plan if I was ever to return to the shelter as either Assistant Director or Director itself; so I’ve worked on it since I’ve left in hopes of getting back,” said Gray.

In that same time frame, Gray has volunteered with the local Friends of Animals group – which has helped grow her passion for animal shelters and pet adoption.

“I’ve always known that I loved animals; I’m currently working towards my General Studies Associate’s Degree, and after that I want to further my education in Animal Sciences.”

One of her goals in that zero to five year plan she’s drafted includes working with local charities and the community to shed a positive light on the animal shelter.

“[I want to work on] more community involvement; so shining a better light on animal shelters in general and adopting as oppose to buying [pets],” said Gray. “I think if we have a better relationship with the community, then we will get more foster [families], we will get more people to donate and help us; it’s just better to have the community on our side, and in order to do that we need to have the shelter have a positive light [shed on it] as oppose to previous years when it hasn’t had one so much.”

Gray is a 2012 graduate of Chapman High School who has lived in the area for most of her life.

She will officially take over duties as Director of the Junction City – Geary County Animal Shelter on Monday, June 26th.

Hot, Hot Weather Predicted

The afternoon heat indices could be in the 100 to 105 degree range Friday afternoon and 100 to 107 on Saturday.

Be careful outdoors.

The Emergency Management Director for Geary County, Garry Berges said you need to be well hydrated. “They need to start right now drinking a lot of water, Gatorade. Don’t drink a whole deal at one time, spread it out but make sure you keep a lot of liquid in you. When you’re working take frequent breaks, get out of the sun, wear sunscreen of  course, wear a hat because you lose a lot of your moisture off your head.”

Berges added try to rearrange your schedule so outdoor activities are in the evening or early morning.

There is a risk of severe thunderstorm activity during the late afternoon – evening hours. Berges noted it appears the storms coming in Friday night will be north of the region but could drop down a little bit. Some cells are expected in Nebraska and move southeast. “They ( National Weather Service ) said anything north of the interstate could be affected so once again we might be under the gun later on tonight on this one.” There is also a thunderstorm risk during the late afternoon – evening hours on Saturday.

Storms Rumble Through the Region

The Junction City – Manhattan area escaped the brunt of severe thunderstorms in the region Thursday evening.

The storms moving through southeast Dickinson and northwest Morris County prompted the National Weather Service to issue a tornado warning for that area but no tornado was ever reported on the ground. There were additional severe thunderstorm warnings that led to gusty winds and heavy rain in Clay, northern Riley, southern Dickinson, and Morris Counties as the storms tracked east at speeds ranging from 20 mph to 55 mph.

For Geary County the Emergency Management Director, Garry Berges noted authorities did not report any damage in the county.

The storm cells began in the Ellis County – Hays area and moved east through the Lindsborg and Saline County area into Dickinson and Morris Counties.

UPDATE: Severe Thunderstorm Warning

UPDATE:

6:36 PM

The National Weather Service in Topeka has issued a

* Severe Thunderstorm Warning for...
  West central Riley County in northeastern Kansas...
  West central Pottawatomie County in northeastern Kansas...

* Until 715 PM CDT

* At 636 PM CDT, a severe thunderstorm was located near Keats, moving
  east at 30 mph.

  HAZARD...60 mph wind gusts and quarter size hail.

  SOURCE...Radar indicated.

  IMPACT...Hail damage to vehicles is expected. Expect wind damage
           to roofs, siding, and trees.

* Locations impacted include...
  Northern Manhattan, Riley, Leonardville, Tuttle Creek Lake and
  Keats.
-------------

6:31PM:

...A SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 645 PM CDT
FOR NORTHWESTERN RILEY AND WEST CENTRAL POTTAWATOMIE COUNTIES...

At 631 PM CDT, a severe thunderstorm was located near Leonardville,
moving east at 30 mph.

HAZARD...60 mph wind gusts and quarter size hail.

SOURCE...Radar indicated.

IMPACT...Hail damage to vehicles is expected. Expect wind damage to
         roofs, siding, and trees.

Locations impacted include...
Northern Manhattan, Riley, Leonardville, Randolph, Tuttle Creek Lake
and Keats.

--------------

6:25 PM:

The National Weather Service in Topeka has issued a

* Severe Thunderstorm Warning for...
  Southeastern Geary County in east central Kansas...
  Eastern Morris County in east central Kansas...
  Southwestern Shawnee County in east central Kansas...
  Wabaunsee County in east central Kansas...
  Western Osage County in east central Kansas...
  Northwestern Coffey County in east central Kansas...
  Lyon County in east central Kansas...

* Until 715 PM CDT

* At 624 PM CDT, severe thunderstorms were located along a line
  extending from near Alta Vista to 6 miles south of Council Grove to
  3 miles east of Florence, moving east at 50 mph.

  HAZARD...Ping pong ball size hail and 60 mph wind gusts.

  SOURCE...Radar indicated.

  IMPACT...People and animals outdoors will be injured. Expect hail
           damage to roofs, siding, windows, and vehicles. Expect
           wind damage to roofs, siding, and trees.
--------------------------

6:23PM:

...A SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 645 PM CDT
FOR SOUTHEASTERN DICKINSON...SOUTHERN GEARY...MORRIS AND SOUTHWESTERN
WABAUNSEE COUNTIES...

At 618 PM CDT, severe thunderstorms were located along a line
extending from 8 miles southeast of Grandview Plaza to 4 miles east
of Parkerville to 11 miles southeast of Burdick, moving east at 50
mph.

HAZARD...Golf ball size hail and 60 mph wind gusts.

SOURCE...Radar indicated.

IMPACT...People and animals outdoors will be injured. Expect hail
         damage to roofs, siding, windows, and vehicles. Expect wind
         damage to roofs, siding, and trees.

Locations impacted include...
Junction City, Herington, Council Grove, Chapman, White City, Alta
Vista, Hope, Dwight, Woodbine, Wilsey, Parkerville, Dunlap, Latimer,
Council Grove Lake, Volland and Burdick.

This includes Interstate 70 between mile markers 285 and 296.
---------------

6:21PM:

...A TORNADO WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 645 PM CDT FOR
SOUTHEASTERN GEARY...NORTHEASTERN MORRIS AND SOUTHWESTERN WABAUNSEE
COUNTIES...

At 620 PM CDT, a severe thunderstorm capable of producing a tornado
was located over Dwight, moving east at 40 mph. A second tornado is
possible 2 miles south southeast of Dwight.

HAZARD...Tornado and quarter size hail.

SOURCE...Radar indicated rotation.

IMPACT...Flying debris will be dangerous to those caught without
         shelter. Mobile homes will be damaged or destroyed. Damage
         to roofs, windows, and vehicles will occur.  Tree damage is
         likely.
-----------------

6:12 PM:

The National Weather Service in Topeka has issued a

* Tornado Warning for...
  Southeastern Geary County in east central Kansas...
  Northern Morris County in east central Kansas...
  Southwestern Wabaunsee County in east central Kansas...

* Until 645 PM CDT

* At 611 PM CDT, a severe thunderstorm capable of producing a tornado
  was located near White City, moving east at 55 mph.

  HAZARD...Tornado and half dollar size hail.

  SOURCE...Radar indicated rotation.

  IMPACT...Flying debris will be dangerous to those caught without
           shelter. Mobile homes will be damaged or destroyed.
           Damage to roofs, windows, and vehicles will occur.  Tree
           damage is likely.
------------

5:45PM:

The National Weather Service in Topeka has issued a

* Severe Thunderstorm Warning for...
  Dickinson County in central Kansas...
  Geary County in east central Kansas...
  Riley County in northeastern Kansas...
  Morris County in east central Kansas...
  Western Wabaunsee County in east central Kansas...
  Southwestern Pottawatomie County in northeastern Kansas...
  Southern Clay County in north central Kansas...

* Until 645 PM CDT

* At 545 PM CDT, severe thunderstorms were located along a line
  extending from 7 miles south of Clay Center to near Moonlight to 5
  miles west of Tampa, moving west at 25 mph.

  These are very dangerous storms.

  HAZARD...80 mph wind gusts and golf ball size hail.

  SOURCE...Radar indicated.

  IMPACT...Flying debris will be dangerous to those caught without
           shelter. Mobile homes will be heavily damaged. Expect
           considerable damage to roofs, windows, and vehicles.
           Extensive tree damage and power outages are likely.

* Locations impacted include...
  Manhattan, Junction City, Abilene, Herington, Council Grove,
  Westmoreland, Ogden, Grandview Plaza, Chapman, Solomon, Wakefield,
  Riley, Enterprise, St. George, White City, Milford, Alta Vista,
  Hope, Dwight and Woodbine.

This includes Interstate 70 between mile markers 267 and 325.
----------------

5:33pm:

...A SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 545 PM CDT
FOR DICKINSON...SOUTHWESTERN GEARY AND NORTHWESTERN MORRIS
COUNTIES...

At 532 PM CDT, a severe thunderstorm was located over Carlton, moving
east at 60 mph.

This is a very dangerous storm.

HAZARD...90 mph wind gusts and quarter size hail.

SOURCE...Trained weather spotters reported a 70 mph wind gust 2
         miles north of Lindsborg at 530 PM.

IMPACT...You are in a life-threatening situation. Flying debris may
         be deadly to those caught without shelter. Mobile homes
         will be heavily damaged or destroyed. Homes and businesses
         will have substantial roof and window damage. Expect
         extensive tree damage and power outages.

This severe storm will be near...
  Hope and Woodbine around 545 PM CDT.

This includes Interstate 70 between mile markers 267 and 282.
-----------------

5:29 pm:

The National Weather Service in Topeka has issued a

* Severe Thunderstorm Warning for...
  Northwestern Riley County in northeastern Kansas...
  Central Clay County in north central Kansas...
  Southeastern Cloud County in north central Kansas...

* Until 615 PM CDT

* At 529 PM CDT, a severe thunderstorm was located 4 miles northeast
  of Oak Hill, moving northeast at 45 mph.

  HAZARD...Golf ball size hail and 60 mph wind gusts.

  SOURCE...Radar indicated.

  IMPACT...People and animals outdoors will be injured. Expect hail
           damage to roofs, siding, windows, and vehicles. Expect
           wind damage to roofs, siding, and trees.

* Locations impacted include...
  Clay Center, Riley, Miltonvale, Leonardville, Morganville, Green
  and Idana.
----------------

5:24pm:

...A SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 545 PM CDT
FOR NORTHERN DICKINSON...NORTHWESTERN GEARY...SOUTHWESTERN RILEY...
EASTERN OTTAWA AND SOUTHERN CLAY COUNTIES...

At 524 PM CDT, a severe thunderstorm was located near Talmage, moving
east at 25 mph.

HAZARD...Golf ball size hail and 60 mph wind gusts.

SOURCE...Trained weather spotters reported a 60 mph wind gust 4
         miles northwest of Solomon at 525 PM.

IMPACT...People and animals outdoors will be injured. Expect hail
         damage to roofs, siding, windows, and vehicles. Expect wind
         damage to roofs, siding, and trees.

Locations impacted include...
Junction City, Grandview Plaza, Chapman, Wakefield, Riley,
Bennington, Milford, Wells, Manchester, Longford, Oak Hill, Niles,
Talmage, Milford Lake and Moonlight.

This includes Interstate 70 between mile markers 282 and 300.
--------------

5:05 pm:

...A SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 545 PM CDT
FOR DICKINSON...SOUTHWESTERN GEARY AND NORTHWESTERN MORRIS
COUNTIES...

At 505 PM CDT, a severe thunderstorm was located 6 miles west of
Woodbine, moving east at 20 mph.

HAZARD...Golf ball size hail and 60 mph wind gusts.

SOURCE...Radar indicated.

IMPACT...People and animals outdoors will be injured. Expect hail
         damage to roofs, siding, windows, and vehicles. Expect wind
         damage to roofs, siding, and trees.

Locations impacted include...
Abilene, Herington, Chapman, Solomon, Enterprise, Hope, Woodbine,
Carlton and Latimer.

This includes Interstate 70 between mile markers 267 and 283.
--

4:57 pm

Severe Thunderstorm Warning for...
  Dickinson County in central Kansas...
  Southwestern Geary County in east central Kansas...
  Northwestern Morris County in east central Kansas...

* Until 545 PM CDT

* At 454 PM CDT, a severe thunderstorm was located 5 miles north of
  Hope, moving east at 25 mph.

  HAZARD...Golf ball size hail and 60 mph wind gusts.

  SOURCE...Radar indicated.

  IMPACT...People and animals outdoors will be injured. Expect hail
           damage to roofs, siding, windows, and vehicles. Expect
           wind damage to roofs, siding, and trees.

* Locations impacted include...
  Junction City, Abilene, Herington, Grandview Plaza, Chapman,
  Solomon, Enterprise, Hope, Woodbine, Carlton, Latimer, Talmage and
  Moonlight.

This includes Interstate 70 between mile markers 267 and 300.
------

1:43 PM

The National Weather Service in Topeka has issued a Severe Thunderstorm Watch for Geary, Dickinson, Morris, Clay, Pottawatomie, Riley, and Wabaunsee Counties until 7:00 pm.

This includes the cities of Abilene, Alta Vista, Clay Center, Council Grove, Herington, Junction City, Manhattan, and Wamego.

—-

There is a strong possibility of severe weather later this afternoon in Geary County.

Garry Berges, Geary County Emergency Management Director, said that golf ball sized hail and straight line winds are very likely this evening.

“Southern Geary County is where it looks like the worst part is going to be, but as we know – we need to be ready everywhere across the county,” said Berges. “We want to give everybody a heads up.”

Berges was contacted by the National Weather Service today indicating that winds in excess of 70 mph and large hail are possible today sometime around 5:30 pm.

“Further to our west is where those individual cells will start, probably around the Hays, Ellsworth area and move toward the east, southeast at a pretty good clip coming aligned and that’s when we’re going to get those high winds in Geary County.”

There are currently no active watches or warnings for the immediate area. The National Weather Service in Topeka has issued a Hazardous Weather Outlook for north central and northeast Kansas:  Severe thunderstorms are possible across the entire outlook area this afternoon through tonight. By early this afternoon, discrete supercells will likely develop across central Kansas before congealing into a complex of storms as it advances into eastern Kansas. The primary hazards will be large hail and damaging straight-line winds, with some very large hail and possibly even a few tornadoes possible with the initial discrete storms over central Kansas. These thunderstorms should gradually diminish over eastern Kansas overnight tonight.


	

Crime Numbers Report

Part One crimes in Junction City were up eight percent in 2016, but in the first quarter of this year violent crime decreased by 15 percent, and property crime went down 18 percent. Total Part one crimes dropped by 17 percent.

Those numbers were contained in a budget report to Junction City Commissioners.

It was noted that in the first four months of this year adult arrests have increased by seven percent and narcotics cases have increased by ten percent. Part One crimes range from murder, rape and robbery to aggravated assault and battery, plus burglary, theft and motor vehicle thefts.

The report indicated that domestic violence involving military and former military subjects continue to be problematic in Junction City.

Congress seeks normalcy, heads back to work after shooting

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Latest on the shooting of House Majority Whip Steve Scalise (all times local):

The business of the House is resuming a day after a rifle-wielding attacker opened fire on Republican lawmakers practicing for a charity baseball game.

The attack critically wounded House GOP Whip Steve Scalise of Louisiana and also injured Capitol police officers, and a current and former congressional aide. The assailant had nursed grievances against President Donald Trump and the GOP — and was shot by police and later died.

Votes were canceled in the House on Wednesday, but on Thursday they were taking place.

Scalise had been fielding balls at second base when he was shot and then dragged himself away from the infield in a trail of blood. The shooter was identified as James T. Hodgkinson, a 66-year-old home inspector from Illinois.

10:10 p.m.

President Donald Trump sat by Rep. Steve Scalise’s bedside and spoke with the House Majority Whip’s family during a visit Wednesday evening to the hospital where Scalise remains in critical condition.

Press Secretary Sean Spicer describes the scene in the intensive care unit as “emotional.”

Spicer says the president was also briefed by Scalise’s medical team and spoke with Capitol Police officer Crystal Griner, who was shot in the ankle during the attack on a Republican Congressional baseball practice.

The president and first lady Melania Trump spent about half an hour at MedStar Washington Hospital Center.

Trump also met with other Capitol police officers who have gathered at the hospital and thanked them for their service.

The president was accompanied by White House doctor Ronny Jackson.

___

9:20 p.m.

The hospital where Rep. Steve Scalise is recovering after being shot says the congressman remains in critical condition and will require several more operations.

MedStar Washington Hospital Center is also providing a more detailed description of Scalise’s wounds. The hospital says he was shot in the left hip, after which “the bullet travelled across his pelvis, fracturing bones, injuring internal organs and causing severe bleeding.”

Scalise was among several people wounded early Wednesday when a rifle-wielding attacker fired on lawmakers on a baseball field in Alexandria, Virginia, outside Washington. The attacker was shot and later died.

___

8:40 p.m.

President Donald Trump is making a surprise visit to MedStar Washington Hospital Center, where Rep. Steve Scalise is being treated for his injuries following Wednesday’s shooting at a Republican congressional baseball practice.

The president and first lady Melania Trump brought two bouquets of flowers to the hospital.

MedStar Washington said in a tweet Wednesday afternoon that Scalise “was critically injured and remains in critical condition.” It provided no further details about him.

Scalise was among several people wounded when a rifle-wielding attacker fired on lawmakers on a baseball field in Alexandria, Virginia, outside Washington. The attacker was shot and later died.

___

8 p.m.

Vice President Mike Pence has been speaking with the victims of Wednesday morning’s attack on a Congressional Republican baseball practice.

Pence’s office says he spoke with the two injured members of the U.S. Capitol Police, as well as the father of lobbyist Matt Mika, who was shot multiple times.

Pence also touched base with the Capitol Police chief and a number of lawmakers, including Rep. Roger Williams of Texas. Williams said at a press conference that Pence had spoken with his injured staffer, Zachary Barth.

The White House said shortly after the shooting that President Donald Trump had spoken with House Speaker Paul Ryan, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, injured Rep. Steve Scalise’s wife and chief of staff, and the chief of the Capitol Police.

___

5:28 p.m.

Family members of Matt Mika says he suffered multiple gunshot wounds and remains in the intensive care unit in critical condition after surgery.

Mika was wounded Wednesday when a gunman opened fire at a baseball practice, injuring a congressman and others.

His family said in a statement late Wednesday that they expect Mika to remain hospitalized for at least several days. The family said, “we continue to be in disbelief that he would be part of this heinous attack.”

Mika is a former aide to Michigan Republican congressman Tim Walberg. He is director of government relations for Tyson Foods Washington, D.C., office and has worked for the company for more than six years.

Mika’s family described him as “a very thoughtful, fun-loving person who is competitive and loyal; all things which contributed to his continued commitment to the Congressional Baseball Game.”

___

4:00 p.m.

The FBI says it’s investigating the social media presence and motives of the Illinois man suspected in a shooting that injured Rep. Steve Scalise and several others.

The FBI on Wednesday confirmed the gunman’s identity as 66-year-old James Hodgkinson of Belleville, Illinois. Officials say they’re investigating Hodgkinson’s whereabouts, associates, web postings and “potential motivations.”

Authorities are searching his home in Illinois.

The FBI says five people overall were taken to hospitals with gunshot wounds, including the shooter, Scalise, a Capitol Police officer, a congressional staffer and a lobbyist. Another congressman suffered minor injuries. Hodgksinson later died.

Meanwhile, the Capitol Police says one of its officers is in good condition after having been shot in the ankle and another was treated and released with a minor injury.

___

3:40 p.m.

Congresswoman Claudia Tenney received a threatening email shortly after a man opened fire on members of Congress and others on a baseball field.

The subject line read, “One down, 216 to go…”

That’s according to the New York Republican’s spokeswoman, Hannah Andrews, who said her office alerted Capitol Police.

There are 238 Republicans in the House, but 217 voted for a bill that would repeal and replace President Barack Obama’s health law. It was unclear whether the email writer was referring to that vote.

___

2:54 p.m.

A Washington hospital says the congressman shot during a baseball practice is in critical condition following surgery.

MedStar Washington said in a tweet Wednesday afternoon that Rep. Steve Scalise “was critically injured and remains in critical condition.” It provided no further details about him.

Scalise was among several people wounded when a rifle-wielding attacker fired on Republican lawmakers on a baseball field in Alexandria, Virginia, outside Washington. The attacker was shot and later died.

The hospital said another victim of the shooting is in good condition. It did not identify the victim.

___

1:10 p.m.

George Washington University Hospital says one of the two patients it was treating following the shooting at a congressional baseball practice has died while the other remains in critical condition.

Hospital spokeswoman Susan Griffiths did not identify either patient, but President Donald Trump had just announced that the shooter had died of his injuries.

Louisiana congressman Steve Scalise underwent surgery for a gunshot to the hip and was in stable condition.

Capitol Police officers who were in his security detail had wounded the shooter. Two of those officers also were wounded and both were expected to recover.

The fifth person wounded in the shooting in Alexandria, Virginia, on Wednesday morning was a former congressional aide, who now works for Tysons Food.

___

1:05 p.m.

Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein is calling a shooting at a congressional baseball practice a “senseless and cowardly attack.”

Rosenstein says in a statement that his thoughts are with the victims and their families, and he is praying for their swift recovery. He says the Justice Department will provide resources for a thorough investigation.

Five people, including the suspected shooter, were hit. President Donald Trump said the attacker died later.

Rosenstein says police officers who responded to the attack are “heroic” and “their willingness to risk their lives to keep us safe is humbling and inspiring.”

___

1:00 p.m.

A Texas congressman says the gunman who shot Louisiana Republican Steve Scalise at baseball practice had first fired at another Republican lawmaker and missed.

Republican Joe Barton witnessed the shootings that wounded Scalise and several others.

Barton told reporters Wednesday that the gunman first fired shots at Mississippi Republican congressman Trent Kelly and missed before shooting Scalise. He says Kelly was playing third base. Scalise, who was shot in the hip, was playing second.

Kelly said on Twitter that he is safe.

Mississippi’s two other Republican congressmen — Steven Palazzo and Gregg Harper — also say they are safe.

Palazzo is on the Republican baseball team but was not at practice because he was doing a radio interview.

___

12:40 p.m.

House Speaker Paul Ryan has told his fellow lawmakers that “an attack on one of us is an attack on all of us.”

The Wisconsin Republican praised the efforts of Capitol police officers and other law enforcement.

Ryan addressed the House in the wake of Wednesday’s shooting at a practice of lawmakers for the annual charity congressional baseball game.

Ryan said, “these were our brothers and sisters in the line of fire.”

Ryan received a standing ovation as lawmakers in both parties came to the House chamber as a show of unity.

Ryan said implored lawmakers in both parties “to resolve to come together to lift each other up and to show the country, show the world that we are one House, the people’s House, united in our humanity.”

___

12:20 p.m.

Democratic Sen. Bernie Sanders says the man authorities identified as opening fire on the Republican congressional baseball practice had apparently volunteered on his presidential campaign.

Sanders, an independent from Vermont who ran for president, says in a statement: “I am sickened by this despicable act.”

He says that “violence of any kind is unacceptable in our society and I condemn this action in the strongest possible terms.”

He paid tribute to Capitol Police for their response to the shooting, and said his prayers are with House GOP Whip Steve Scalise and others who were wounded.

Sanders challenged Hillary Clinton for the Democratic nomination in the 2016 presidential election.

_____

11:45 a.m.

President Donald Trump says the assailant in the congressional shooting has died from his injuries.

Trump said Wednesday morning that the gunman who shot Rep. Steve Scalise, of Louisiana, had died. The assailant has been identified as James T. Hodgkinson.

Scalise was shot at a congressional baseball practice just outside of Washington. Officials said several other people were also wounded. Trump said Scalise “was badly wounded and is now in stable condition.”

Trump praised the “heroic actions” of the Capital Police at the scene.

____

11:43 a.m.

President Donald Trump says he has spoken to Rep. Steve Scalise’s wife, Jennifer, to offer his support to the family.

Trump calls Scalise, the House majority whip, a very good friend and says he is a fighter and a patriot.

Trump offers his own prayers to the Scalise family, and says the entire world is also praying for them.

____

House Majority Whip Steve Scalise of Louisiana was shot Wednesday at a congressional baseball practice, congressional officials say.

 

Sen. Jeff Flake says the gunman had “a rifle of some sort” and “a lot of ammo.”

Flake says Scalise was playing second base at a congressional baseball practice when he was shot by a man standing off the third-base side of the field. He says Scalise dragged himself into the outfield to get farther away from the shooting.

Several other people were wounded, including a congressional staff member and law enforcement personnel.

Kansas First District Rep. Roger Marshall is a member of the GOP team and confirmed in a text message and on social media that he was safe. He was not in attendance at the practice.

In an email statement Marshall  said:

This morning was one of just a handful of practices I haven’t made it to. Thank you for the many who have asked about me and offered support.

Steve Scalise is the leader of our team in so many ways. Whether it is on the baseball field, the House floor, or in life, he is always encouraging, motivating and supporting his Members and teammates. Just two days ago, Steve and I were riding together to an event at the Secretary of the Interior’s office, enjoying each other’s company. He is a terrific friend and father, and his wife and two kids are in my prayers.

There were staff and Police seriously injured. I want to ask for prayers for them and their families.

This – at a baseball practice, no less – is an insult to America, our way of live and our ability to put politics aside and enjoy a pastime to benefit charity.

I ask that each of you join me in praying for my good friend, Steve Scalise, and the staff and Capitol Police who were injured. I don’t have any other information at this time, but I ask for your continued prayers for those injured and their families.

The coward who did this will not win in any way. Though shaken, we are not deterred in our mission to turn this country in a better direction.

 

 

 

 

 

Ride ATA Bus for FREE on Thursday – National ‘Dump the Pump Day’

National Dump the Pump Day – a day meant to encourage people to ride public transportation and save money –  is Thursday, June 15th.

Locally, all services offered by the Flint Hills aTa Bus will be FREE on Thursday, June 15th.

Anne Smith, Flint Hills aTa Bus Director said that utilizing public transportation is not only a way to be friendlier to the environment by having less vehicles on the roadway, it can also help you save money.

“[Public transportation] is more beneficial to people economically than to try to maintain a car, especially as people start to get older and they don’t need the car everyday like when they were younger, but they still need to get around,” said Smith. “There can be a real benefit to them to start using public transportation.”

Smith noted the environmental benefits to public transportation. “Fewer vehicles on the road means there’s a smaller carbon footprint to the community.”

According to the American Public Transportation Association, for every $1 invested in public transportation, there is $4 in economic returns.

“In Junction City we are able to track our demand response riders and 52 percent of them use the service to get to work; so if you can get to work, then you have a paycheck and you are buying goods and services in the community,” said Smith. “Often times transportation is a barrier to maintaining employment.”

In Geary County, the aTa Bus services have filled a very large need in the community. Smith said that the Dump the Pump Day is celebrated every Summer to “raise awareness about the economic and environmental benefit of utilizing public transportation.”

For more information call 537-6345 or visit flinthillsatabus.com.

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